The top attractions in Santiago

This is a military fortress located at the entrance to the Bay of Santiago de Cuba. It was constructed by the Spanish to defend against piracy, and it is now a World Heritage Site, and home to the museum of piracy.

Founded in 1515 and, because of its geographical situation, the capital of Cuba until 1556. To this bay came the first black slaves to Cuba and with them an essential component of the Cuban nationality with its strong African and

This Cathedral is located in a corner of Parque Céspede. It was modeled after many other cities planned by the Spanish, in the same central square was the seat of government (in this case the House Diego Velázquez) and the

La Casa de la Trova is a popular local Latin dance club. In the afternoon and evening there are performances by musicians, playing classic boleros and other rhythms. It is a great place to enjoy some evening entertainment. It is open

This central cemetery has very artistic mausoleums and sculptures. It is an open cemetery, and serves as a thoroughfare for residents of Santiago. Here you'll find the mausoleum of Jose Marti, national hero, politician, and

There is no better way to begin your visit to Santiago de Cuba, than to head towards the city on July 26, to the former Moncada Barracks. From here, Fidel Castro made his first attempt to assault against the dictatorship of Fulgencio

Basilica of the Virgin of Charity of Copper, Patroness of Cuba. This monument is located about 25 km away from Santiago, in the place where the Spanish used to run a copper mine. It is an important pilgrimage center. The slaves ve

Sierra Maestra is a large mountain range that runs parallel to the south of the island. It is sparsely populated and are just a few small towns to be found, hidden in the dense forests. On our trip we had the opportunity to delve a

This square, which was opened in 1991, is a 53,000 meters square and houses the country's highest statue of 16 meters high, in honor of Antonio Maceo y Grajales. The accompanying 23 machetes represent the date of 23rd March, 1878 when

Cuba is currently one of the largest exporters of sugar cane in the world. In fact, it is estimated that 20% of the country's population works in this industry. On the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba, you can see numerous sugar cane

The main town buildings were all constructed around around the Cespedes Park. The church, the Town Hall and the Governor's House. Today it remains one of the main centers of the historic center of Santiago and a place to meet all

This place is located in a really peculiar corner of the bustling city of Santiago de Cuba. The building is next to the central Plaza del Parque Céspedes and is one of those places that oozes history. Above all, it is worth going to

El Saltón is a waterfall nestled among the mountains among the ferns and wild orchids. It's a place of exceptional beauty and peace, ideal to relax and get away from the city. The coffee plantations surrounding the waterfall are also

The old Matusalem rum is no longer produced in Cuba; since 2002, it has been made in the Dominican Republic. Instead, it's now the Santiago de Cuba Rum Distillery, also of excellent quality. You can try different varieties: 7 years,

This house was built in 1522 and is the oldest in Cuba. It was the official residence of the first governor of the island restored it in the late 60s. Its Andalusian-style façade was inaugurated in 1970 as part of the Museum of Cuban

The library's Ladder is literally a little corner with all kinds of old publications and memories of the Revolution (and previous material). I love the smell of old books that dominates the place and the people that could be found in

This park lies to the east of the square, an ancient market currently dominated by the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, which was restored after a fire in the 70's and turned into a concert hall. There are plenty of restaurants and

It is ironic that Cuba's national sport has its origins in their great "enemy" of the United States. In the nineteenth century, dockers in Matanzas Bay, about 100 kilometers east of Havana, and the crews of several Americans vessels

The best things to do in Santiago

Santiago is the second largest and most populated city in Cuba. Come with us, and you'll discover all the stuff to do in Santiago, a Caribbean paradise. We began this fantastic journey through the architectural things to see in Santiago, and you cannot miss the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca. Its views are breathtaking and the route to get there is very entertaining. Continuing on, we arrive at La Gran Piedra, one of the many Santiago attractions, which consists of a very worthwhile viewpoint. Recommendations for places to visit in Santiago includes the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, a funeral place mixed with the area's abundant nature. In the House of Traditions merges Cuban art and culture. You'll often find renowned musicians on the island, playing and enjoying the rhythm of the drums. But if you really are looking for the best attractions in Santiago with live music. There's nothing better than a visit to the Casa de la Trova, where locals and travelers alike dance in a unique environment, and it's one of the most well known things to do in Santiago. Colonial art lovers also have their place in the Diego Velazquez Museum, one of the best art galleries in the city. Finally we recommend that you also get to know Cuba at night. Dancing away at the Jazz Club Iris, which enjoys much fame, is one of the most unique Santiago activities. Learn more about what to do in Santiago today by visiting Minube.